Train Your Board to Fundraise—Without the Awkwardness
Your board members and ambassadors are more than just names on an invite list—they are among your nonprofit’s most valuable fundraising assets. When equipped with the right guidance and tools, they can unlock networks, bring in sponsors, and inspire others to give. But influence doesn’t happen by accident. It takes strategy, clarity, and leadership.
At Black Diamond Benefits, we believe every event is an opportunity to build long-term support—and that starts with empowering your key advocates. Here’s how to do it well.
Make Fundraising a Clear Expectation
One of the biggest hurdles is silence. Many board members and ambassadors are willing to help, but they haven’t been clearly asked or don’t understand what’s expected. Set the tone early: fundraising isn’t a bonus skill—it’s part of the role. When joining the board or serving as an ambassador, each person should understand that their influence can directly impact your nonprofit’s ability to deliver on its mission.
A clear onboarding process, a written commitment, or a simple expectation sheet can go a long way toward making participation the norm—not the exception.
Provide Tools, Not Just Pressure
It’s not enough to say “Go fundraise.” You need to equip your team with what they need to succeed.
Talking points and scripts: Provide short, meaningful messages that make the mission easy to explain.
Shareable assets: Supply graphics, pre-written social media posts, sponsorship one-pagers, and event details that they can use with their networks.
Templates for outreach: A well-crafted email or message they can personalize saves time and builds confidence.
When people feel prepared, they’re more likely to take action—and more likely to enjoy doing it.
Train Them to Make the Ask
Many ambassadors hesitate to ask for money because they’re afraid of “getting it wrong.” The truth is, their authenticity matters more than their polish. That said, offering simple training—whether a short workshop or a video walkthrough—can give them the language and confidence to make meaningful appeals.
Teach them how to frame the ask around impact, not obligation. Don’t just say “We need donations”—show them how to say, “Here’s how your support will help us make a difference this year.”
Assign Roles Based on Strengths
Some board members are excellent networkers. Others are gifted event planners or persuasive speakers. Rather than expecting everyone to fundraise in the same way, identify their individual strengths and plug them in where they can be most effective.
Not great at asking for money? They might be perfect for securing in-kind donations or planning donor engagement touchpoints.
Well-connected in the community? Encourage personal invitations and peer-to-peer fundraising.
Comfortable on stage? Let them speak during the program to share a story that moves the room.
Matching people to roles they enjoy increases participation and results.
Celebrate Efforts, Not Just Outcomes
Success in fundraising doesn’t happen overnight. Celebrate small wins—referrals made, meetings set, conversations started. Recognizing the effort encourages continued engagement and helps create a culture where everyone feels like their contributions matter.
Build a System of Accountability
Encouragement and enthusiasm are important, but so is structure. Check in regularly with your board and ambassadors in the weeks leading up to your event. Track commitments and progress, offer support when someone falls behind, and create a shared sense of momentum.
By keeping everyone accountable, you show that this work is not optional—and that each person is essential to your success.
Don’t Leave Influence on the Table
Your board and ambassadors have powerful networks and stories. When they’re properly engaged, equipped, and empowered, they become a force multiplier for your mission.
At Black Diamond Benefits, we help nonprofits activate their leadership teams and guide them through a consultative process that turns influence into impact. If you’re ready to elevate your next fundraising event, we’re here to help. Let’s connect. Schedule a consultation today and see how far your board’s influence can take you.